rachel yamada
Los Angeles, CA
My background in human behavior allows me to go beyond aesthetics, delving into the details of user interactions. Employing empathy as a driving force, I design interfaces that cater to the diverse needs and emotions of users.
Education
B.S. Psychology
University of the Pacific, CA
Sept. 2019 - May 2024
UX / UI Design Program
University of California, Irvine
Jul. 2024 - Jan. 2024
Experience
CASE LIQUORS INC.
UI / UX Specialist
Increased conversion rate by 33% quarter-over-quarter by designing and implementing user-centered improvements to the eCommerce experience
Performed heuristic evaluations and design QA post-implementation to ensure visual and functional consistency with UX standards and original design intent
Collaborated with cross-functional teams—including SEO specialists, developers, and stakeholders—to deliver a seamless and conversion-optimized user experience
Designed within Shopify’s platform constraints to streamline the UI/UX workflow, reduce development friction, and maintain brand consistency across pages
Contributed to marketing and branding initiatives by supporting creative strategies that enhanced user engagement and strengthened brand visibility
SkyIT Services - Subsidiary of GBCS Group
Lead UX / UI & Graphic Design Intern
Led the end-to-end UX/UI design and development of the CEO’s personal portfolio website using agile sprints to accelerate delivery, prioritize key features, and support iterative decision-making
Directed the design of GBCS University, a centralized digital platform for interns, employees, and clients to access key services, resources, and task management tools
Created stakeholder-facing presentations and design documentation; regularly led design reviews with the CEO and VP of Technology to align on product vision and design strategy
Delegated tasks strategically across the design team, optimizing team strengths to improve workflow, boost productivity, and encourage creativity
Managed team performance and collaboration, ensuring timely delivery of assignments, offering support, and resolving blockers through regular check-ins
Designed branded marketing materials—including email templates, client presentations, and RFP documents—using visual storytelling techniques to clarify service offerings and enhance brand communication
University of California, Irvine - Department of Continuing Education
UX / UI Design and Research Apprentice
Dedicated 350+ hours of learning and application of UX research and design principles
Collaborated closely with peers and instructors to ensure design standards are met
Actively requested feedback to continuously improve skills used to thoroughly complete projects
Certifications
User Experience & Design Thinking
Interface Design
Visual Design
Web Design
Projects
Improving Trust and Conversion on an Alcohol E-Commerce Site
UI/UX Specialist
Conducted user research to gather insights on player activity and gauged overall satisfaction with the product to identify key areas for improvement and inform design decisions
Analyzed reviews to understand pain points from both experienced players and general users
Condensed data into user personas and journey maps to foster empathy and ensure alignment with user needs
Organized card-sorting activity with participants to inform information architecture
Utilized Figma to create wireframes and prototypes
Tested multiple iterations of designs to continuously improve product
Modernizing the Digital Presence of a Logistics and Distribution Platform
UI Designer
Conducted a UX audit of the existing eCommerce website to uncover usability issues and user pain points
Simplified user flows to enhance product discovery and reduce friction throughout the shopping journey
Applied visual hierarchy and layout principles to improve clarity and guide user focus
Redesigned product pages to support decision-making, increase engagement and boost conversion rates
Implemented UX strategies to build user confidence, informed by user reviews and heuristic evaluation findings
Additional Professional Experience
Talbots
Sales Associate
Upheld a welcoming and hospitable environment and attitude to clients, consistently receiving high satisfaction scores
Maintained knowledge of new monthly merchandise as well as older product, ensuring the ability to assist guests efficiently and recall the availability of the requested item
Guided clients through new merchandise and informed them of current promotions and upcoming events to maintain motivation and interest in the brand
Conducted personalized style appointments while raising confidence in her body, building deeper relationships in the process
Skills & Tools
Tools: Figma, Miro, Trello, Google Workspace, Wix Studio, Framer, WordPress, Shopify, VsCode, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud
User Research: Surveys, Interviews, Usability Testing, Card Sorting, Persona Development, Information Architecture, User Journey Mapping, Analysis
User Interface Design: Responsive Web Development, HTML/CSS Basics, Attention to Detail, Creativity and Innovation, Data-Driven Decision Making, Typography, Hierarchy